Newsroom

Welcome to the Elite Airways newsroom, the place to find the latest information and conversation about what is happening at our company. The Elite Airways PR team is dedicated to building strong relationships with members of the media. We strive to provide open access to Elite Airways information and to foster thoughtful dialog with our executives.

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Milwaukee, WI – August 6, 2019 – Midwest Express today announced it has signed an operating agreement with Portland, Maine-based Elite Airways LLC to begin initial flight service from Midwest Express’ home base at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.

“This operating agreement with Elite Airways is a key step to bring much-needed nonstop service back to Milwaukee,” said Greg Aretakis, president of Midwest Express. “We identified Elite Airways as a well-suited partner due to its extensive operating experience, high-quality customer service approach, and exemplary safety record. By partnering with Elite, we expedite bringing our service to the market while we pursue federal licenses required to operate independently.”

Elite Airways will provide the initial aircraft, flight crews and maintenance service for Midwest Express, and Midwest Express will establish its own reservations system, customer service operations and in-flight amenities to support the new flights. All public-facing customer interaction, including the branding on the planes, will be Midwest Express. In addition to providing flight operations, Elite will work in tandem with Midwest to complete regulatory and operational steps for Midwest to obtain its own airline operating certificate.

John Pearsall, president of Elite Airways, said “We’re proud to play a role in helping bring Midwest Express Airlines back to Wisconsin. Our aircraft and top-notch crew will provide the experience and service that Midwest Express passengers can and should expect, and we’re excited to work together with Midwest Express as it progresses with its launch and ongoing business plans.”

According to Aretakis, the focus of the initial routes and flight times will be based on business community needs and Midwest Express expects to announce details about its service in the coming weeks. “We continue to be encouraged by the support we are getting as we talk to leaders in the business community,” he added.

“We’re excited to see Midwest Express take this next step as the business community has been asking for more nonstop flights from Milwaukee for quite some time. Providing more choices makes Milwaukee’s airport an even more convenient option for travelers,” added Brian Dranzik, Milwaukee Airport Director.

The 90-minute Sunday and Thursday flights are scheduled through Sept. 5, according to the Maine-based airline. Flights, which leave Vero Beach at 2:45 p.m. and Asheville at 5 p.m., begin at $179 each way.

Elite already serves the New York City market from Vero Beach, with flights four days a week to Newark (New Jersey) Liberty International Airport. It was the airline's first destination from Vero Beach when it began service in 2015. The airline has offered limited winter-holiday routes to destinations such as Portland, Maine and White Plains, New York.

Elite Airways Joins the TSA Precheck® Program for Passenger Convenience and Safety

Release Date: 21-Feb-2019

February 21, 2019 – Portland, ME – Elite Airways LLC today announced that it is a member of TSA Pre ®, an expedited screening program that enables travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. airports. With a five-year, $85 membership, passengers can breeze through airport security without the need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. In January 2019, 94% of TSA Pre passengers waited in security lines for less than 5 minutes.

Already a TSA Pre member?

Next time you book at EliteAirways.com, enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the online reservation and you’re all set! Or, call Elite Airways customer service at 877-393-2510 to update your profile with your KTN at least 72-hours before your next flight.

Once approved, you’ll receive a “Known Traveler Number” to input when making an airline reservation. The TSA Pre logo will appear on your boarding pass—signaling that you may use TSA Pre lanes at select security checkpoints when traveling on more than 60 participating airlines, including Elite Airways.

Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides chartered and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations that include New York City/Newark, Portland ME, Traverse City MI, Asheville NC, Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Vero Beach FL, and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

Elite Airways Announces Sugarloaf Maine Ski Package from Florida

Release Date: 11-Jan-2019

Includes Airfare to/from Florida on Elite Airways, Transfer, Lift Ticket, and 3- or 4-night Stay at Sugarloaf Inn Starting at $699/pp based on double occupancy; Book Now at 877-393-2510 and www.EliteAirways.com

January 11, 2019 – Portland, ME – Maine’s largest airline, Elite Airways, today announced a partnership with Sugarloaf, located in the Carrabassett Valley, to offer winter ski packages for vacationers and Florida-based passengers. The Elite Maine Ski Package includes round-trip airfare on Elite Airways from either Orlando-Melbourne Airport in east central Florida or Sarasota-Bradenton Airport on the gulf coast of Florida to Maine, along with airport transfer, lift ticket, and lodging at the Sugarloaf Inn—starting at $699.00 per person for either a 3-night Thu-Sun stay or 4-night Sun-Thu stay, based on double occupancy. It also includes first checked bag or oversized ski/snowboard bag for free* (see EliteAirways.com for details).

Sugarloaf is the largest ski area in the East and home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East, as well as the number one golf course in Maine according to Golf Digest. The Sugarloaf Inn is a convenient Ski In, Ski Out lodging option that combines the intimate charm of a slope-side mountain lodge with practical, modern amenities and accommodations. The Shipyard Brew Haus, located on the first floor of the Inn, offers indoor dining as well as an outdoor patio with live music, food, and Shipyard Brewing Co. award-winning, Maine-brewed craft beer.

“Today’s announcement reflects Elite Airways’ commitment to expanding opportunities in our home state of Maine, and to bringing new business to Sugarloaf and surrounding communities,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “We believe our partnership with Sugarloaf is the beginning of good things to come as we look to add more Sugarloaf vacation packages throughout the summer and fall, and more flight destinations in and out of Maine in 2019.”

“We’re happy and proud to be associated with a great airline like Elite Airways,” said Joe Christopher, President of Sugarloaf Inn. “We’re looking forward to exposing Elite Airway’s guests to all that Maine’s Western Mountains region has to offer. We’ll have packages to include the skiing, the golfing, the mountain biking, and we’re even going to have packages to include whitewater rafting at Three Rivers Whitewater.”

Elite Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains and impeccable safety record. Passengers receive free onboard snacks and beverages, first checked bag up to 50 lbs, and no ticketing change fees* (see website for details). Elite Airways is also pet friendly. For more information or to book a Maine Ski Package, call 877-393-2510 or visit www.EliteAirways.com.

About Elite Airways

Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides chartered and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations that include New York City/Newark, Portland ME, Asheville NC, Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Vero Beach FL, and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

*For Elite Airways flights, the first checked bag and carry-on will be free, $50.00 for a second checked bag, and $75.00 for the third checked bag per person. Each checked bag weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will be assessed a fee of $25 in addition to the checked bag fee. Each checked bag weighing between 71 and 100 pounds will be assessed a fee of $100. All fares are quoted in U.S. Dollars ($USD) unless otherwise specified. Visit EliteAirways.com for more details on our standard baggage service fee schedule. Dates of the advertised flights are subject to change in accordance with regulatory requirements. See the TSA website for a list of prohibited items.

Modern-built Hangar to House the Airline’s Northern Maintenance Operations; Anticipated to Bring 100 New Jobs to the Auburn Lewiston Area

January 10, 2019 – Portland, ME –Elite Airways today announced that it has signed a long-term lease agreement with the Auburn-Lewiston Airport for 27,000 square-feet of hangar and future office space. This modern-built facility will serve as the airline’s northern maintenance base to support its growing fleet of jet aircraft.

Elite Airways is headquartered in Portland, ME and operates a successful charter business throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and South America, with select scheduled service throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. The airline operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains an impeccable safety record.

Beginning January 15, Elite Airways will occupy the largest hangar on Airport property and is estimated to bring upwards of 100 new high-skilled jobs to the Auburn-Lewiston area. These include aircraft maintenance technicians, mechanics, support personnel, pilots and flight crew. Today’s announcement significantly expands Elite’s Maine-based operations and reflects the airline’s continued growth and momentum. In the past year, Elite Airways nearly doubled its workforce and added additional aircraft—bringing its current fleet to 18 aircraft.

“As Maine’s largest airline, Elite Airways is proud to consider Auburn-Lewiston Airport home to our new northern maintenance operations base,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “We anticipate adding another 100 employees and four new aircraft as a result of this new facility. We’d like to thank airport officials for their support, and look forward to future opportunities to further expand our operations in Maine.”

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one as we welcome Elite Airways to the Auburn Lewiston Airport. I believe Elite’s choice reflects the quality of our airport and the improvements we have made over the last several years, as well as the vitality of Androscoggin County and the economic opportunities the area presents,” said Bettyann Sheats, Chair, Auburn Lewiston Airport Board. “With a long-term lease now in place valued at $2.6 million dollars, we are well positioned to continue with plans for additional expansion. I am looking forward to exploring opportunities with Elite Airways to mutually grow our operations.”

Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides chartered and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations that include New York City/Newark, Portland ME, Asheville NC, Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Vero Beach FL, and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

About Auburn-Lewiston Airport

Auburn-Lewiston Airport (LEW) is a 627-acre Regional Reliever General Aviation facility that is one of the busiest in the State of Maine for runway operations. The airport supports local and regional general aviation, flight training, cargo, and a large volume of corporate activity. The airport acts as a support base for Life Flight of Maine, the Civil Air Patrol, the Maine Warden Service and other public service organizations. For more information, visit: www.flytomaine.com.

PORTLAND, Maine —Vacationers in southern Maine now have a new Florida destination that they can reach with a non-stop flight from Portland International Jetport.

Elite Airways began non-stop Sunday flights from Portland, Maine to Vero Beach, Florida Sunday, a small coastal city between Orlando and Miami. The airline will begin offering the same flight on Thursdays starting on June 7th for around $200.

Elite Airways is headquartered in Portland and has its base of operations in Orlando. The airline, which began its operations in 2014, now flies 11 planes to 13 different destinations, including Orlando and Sarasota.

Elite Airways Unveils Spring/Summer Schedule with 11 Nonstop Routes

Release Date: 27-Mar-2018

March 27, 2018 – Portland, ME – Elite Airways LLC today unveiled its 2018 spring/summer schedule adjustments with a total of 11 nonstop routes between its most popular vacation destinations. The revised schedule includes the resume of service between White Plains, NY and Sarasota-Bradenton, FL on June 15 after a brief seasonal pause in May, plus several new routes starting soon (previously announced), and some adjustments to existing routes in May and June to accommodate seasonal demand. Please visit EliteAirways.com for exact schedules, times and fares.

“We are extremely pleased to offer 11 nonstop routes this spring and summer, with adjustments to accommodate seasonal travel patterns along with several new routes in some of our most popular markets,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “Elite Airways wishes to thank its passengers, as well as airport and community partners, as we continue to grow and look to add even more routes later in the year.”

Elite Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains an impeccable safety record. Elite Airways passengers receive free onboard snacks and beverages, first checked bag up to 50lbs (or one oversized golf bag), and no ticketing change fees (see website for details). Elite Airways is also pet friendly. All flights listed above are currently on sale and available at 877-393-2510 and online at EliteAirways.com.

About Elite Airways

Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides chartered and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations that include New York City/Newark, White Plains and Albany NY, Portland ME, Asheville NC, Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Vero Beach FL, and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

Elite Airways Expands in Vero Beach with Nonstop Jet Service to White Plains, NY and Portland, ME starting this Spring

Release Date: 25-Jan-2018

January 25, 2018 – Vero Beach, FL – Expanding upon its popular Vero Beach service, Elite Airways LLC unveiled new nonstop jet service in/out of Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) to Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains New York, Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, and the return of seasonal service to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina. The news underscores Elite’s continued growth and success with its Northeast/Southeast leisure routes and doubles its presence in Vero Beach with four destinations for passengers.

Elite Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains an impeccable safety record. Elite Airways passengers receive free onboard snacks and beverages, first checked bag up to 50lbs, and no ticketing change fees (see website for details). Elite Airways is also pet friendly.

“Vero Beach has been our number one destination, so it gives us tremendous pride to double our presence at VRB with new service to White Plains, New York and Portland, Maine,” said Elite Airways president John Pearsall. “We’ve seen consistent, strong demand for our Vero to Newark route and believe that the addition of a third northeast destination will be a win-win for passengers. We’re also pleased to restart seasonal service to Asheville as this has been a very popular spring/summer route with our passengers.”

According to Vero Beach Regional Airport Executive Director, Eric Menger: “Now that we have entered year three with Elite Airways, we are thrilled to expand our partnership with this very close airport/airline team. Everyone from Palm Beach County north to Brevard County enjoys the convenience and customer service here at the Vero Beach Airport, and we sense excitement in the community whenever Elite adds new service. Passengers continue to enjoy free parking at VRB—long term parking up to 21 days at no cost—that is steps away from the terminal entrance. In addition to thanking Elite Airways, we’d like to thank the City Manager and the City Council of Vero Beach for being tremendously supportive of our efforts and for authorizing the investment necessary to make the terminal area more secure, convenient and comfortable for passengers.”

Today’s news coincides with Elite Airways’ recent announcements about expanded service in Portland and Myrtle Beach with new destinations added at each (for details, see: https://res.eliteairways.net/Media). For more information about schedules and ticket information, call 877-393-2510 or visit EliteAirways.com.

About Elite Airways

Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides charter and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations that include New York City/Newark NJ, White Plains and Albany NY, Portland ME, Myrtle Beach SC, Newport News VA, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Vero Beach FL, and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways’ maintenance operations center is located in Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

*Starting fare for a one way ticket. **For Elite Airways flights, the first checked bag and carry-on will be free, $50.00 for a second checked bag, and $75.00 for the third checked bag per person. Each checked bag weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will be assessed a fee of $25 in addition to the checked bag fee. Each checked bag weighing between 71 and 100 pounds will be assessed a fee of $100. All fares are quoted in U.S. Dollars ($USD) unless otherwise specified. Visit EliteAirways.com for more details on our standard baggage service fee schedule. Dates of the advertised flights are subject to change in accordance with regulatory requirements. See the TSA website for a list of prohibited items.

Elite Airways Announces Distribution Agreement with Expedia, Inc.

Release Date: 10-Jan-2017

Elite Airways Flights Now Available on some of the World’s Leading Online Travel Sites Including Expedia, Travelocity and Hotwire

January 10, 2017 – Portland, ME – Elite Airways LLC today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, to offer its flights on Expedia.com, Travelocity and Hotwire.

The agreement enables passengers to consider Elite Airways when planning their travel online with Expedia.com, Travelocity and Hotwire, for convenient nonstop routes and competitive prices to destinations to and from Maine, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado, Illinois and Texas. Elite Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains an impeccable safety record. Passengers receive free onboard snacks and beverages, first checked bag up to 50lbs, and no ticketing change fees (see website for details). Elite Airways is also pet friendly.

“Our agreement with Expedia will increase Elite Airways’ visibility within some of the largest travel websites,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “We anticipate growth in reservations as more passengers become aware of our year-round and seasonal routes between our unique destinations with non-stop service.”

Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides charter and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. The airline’s year-round and seasonal routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations including New York City/Newark, Long Island NY, Portland and Bar Harbor ME, Orlando-Melbourne, Sarasota-Bradenton, Vero Beach and Naples FL, Myrtle Beach SC, Newport News VA, Chicago-Rockford IL, Fort Collins and Denver CO, Branson MO and Houston, TX. Elite Airways is headquartered in Portland, Maine. All scheduled flights are sold and operated by Elite Airways LLC, and available for purchase at www.eliteairways.com or by calling 877-393-2510.

About Expedia, Inc.

Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) is the world’s largest online travel company, with an extensive brand portfolio that includes leading online travel brands, such as:

Expedia.com®, a leading full service online travel company with localized sites in 33 countries

Hotels.com®, a preeminent global lodging expert operating in more than 65 countries and 35 languages with its award winning Hotels.com® Rewards loyalty program

Expedia® Affiliate Network (EAN), a global B2B brand that powers the hotel business of leading airlines, top consumer brands, online travel agencies and thousands of other partners through its API and template solutions

trivago®, a leading online hotel search with sites in 55 countries worldwide

Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®, a provider of exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of over 225 retail travel agency franchises across North America